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Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Palaeontology)

Study Palaeontology at Flinders

Explore and interpret the history of life on Earth.

Focused on uncovering long-buried secrets that deepen our understanding of how life on Earth evolved, this degree provides you with in-depth knowledge and appreciation of the Australian fossil record in addition to a broad-based foundation in palaeontology and allied disciplines. You will also will develop a range of transferable research, analytical and communication skills.

Fast facts

Course facts at a glance.
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I am an
International Student

I am not a citizen of
Australia or New Zealand.

Switch to International

I am a
Domestic Student

I am an Australian or New Zealand Citizen.

I'm an Australian Permanent Resident
(including Humanitarian Visa holders).

Switch to Domestic

Prerequisites

None

Assumed knowledge

None

2024 selection rank

80.00

Guaranteed selection rank

85.00

TAFElink

Diploma or above

Adjustment factors available

Yes

SATAC code

224051

Delivery mode
In person:
  • – Bedford Park
Online: No
Duration

4 years full-time
(or part-time equivalent)
Deferrable: Yes

Annual indicative fee
  • 2024: $9,100
How are these fees calculated?
Start dates
  • – March
  • – July

Student and ATAR profile

Save course

Student and ATAR profile

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Why study Palaeontology at Flinders

  • Study the first and only palaeontology named degree in Australasia
  • Learn in our purpose-built Palaeontology Laboratory
  • Combine specialist palaeontology study with biodiversity and conservation, biological diversity, earth and environmental science, and biostatistics
  • Undertake a research project and further advanced level coursework as an honours student

Your career

This degree provides you with the tool-set necessary for palaeontological careers anywhere in the world, whether your interests include working in a museum, evolutionary studies, fieldwork, ecological/environmental research, teaching or science communication.

Potential occupations include:

  • collection manager (palaeontology)
  • resource information officer
  • technical officer
  • senior curator
  • scientific consultant.

Potential employers include:

  • universities (researcher/teacher)
  • museums (curator/collections manager)
  • science media agencies.

Flinders Palaeontology Society

As a student at Flinders, you can join the Flinders University Palaeontology Society. This unique student-run group of like-minded palaeontology enthusiasts is based on campus but with members spread across the globe. The society gives members the opportunity to participate in social and educational activities including hands-on research, field trips, workshops and in-lab fossil preparation.

What you will study

First year

A typical first year may include:
  • an introduction to the basic concepts underpinning ecology and evolution
  • study of how we go about investigating and analysing the world around us
  • an introduction to biology, geology and biostatistical principles relating to the study of natural history
  • a number of elective topics enabling you to explore specific interests.

Second year

A typical second year may include:
  • an exploration of the diversity of life on Earth and how it has evolved
  • study of human evolution and the archaeological record of Australia
  • further investigation of geological, biological and ecological principles
  • electives options enabling you to expand your learning in archaeology, animal behaviour, ecology or science communication.

Third year

A typical third year may include:
  • vertebrate anatomy and palaeontology
  • field techniques in palaeontology
  • scientific illustration
  • elective topics enabling you to specialise in a particular facet of the palaeontological sciences.

Honours year

A typical honours year may include:
  • an honours research project enabling you to focus on a particular palaeontological discipline that interests you
  • development of the skill set necessary to become a research scientist.

View study program

Practical experience

The degree provides you with practical experience that prepares you for the workforce.

  • Gain hands-on experience in a range of field- and laboratory-based settings.
  • Collaborate on projects in our state-of-the-art, purpose-built hub.
  • Excavate and analyse real fossil deposits from the Naracoorte Caves (SA) and Alcoota Fossil Reserve (NT).

Study abroad

There are opportunities to take your studies overseas with a student exchange program.

ATAR and Student Profile Information

The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer 99.85 99.95
Median rank to receive an offer 88.20 92.78
Lowest rank to receive an offer 71.15 81.75

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students
Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024) Number of students Percentage of all students
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) 8 21%
Vocational education and training (VET) study <5 <5
Work and life experience 0 0
Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) 20 53%
Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) 7 18%
Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) <5 <5
International Students 0 0
All students 38 100%

Add Innovation and Enterprise
to your degree

At Flinders University, we recognise that careers are evolving and the workplace of the future will look very different from today.

Whatever undergraduate course you are studying at Flinders, you can add innovation and enterprise electives to your degree to gain new, adaptable and transferrable skills that will equip you for the careers of tomorrow.

Learn More

Pursue multiple passions with a combined degree

You can combine this degree with any other bachelor degree within the College of Science and Engineering, subject to meeting entry requirements.

Search all combined degree options

How to apply

1

Choose your preferred course.

 

2

Check the entry requirements and admission pathways available to you.

 

3

Choose other courses to include in your preferences.

 

4

Visit SATAC and submit your application online.

Applicants can apply for this course using Year 12 qualifications, previous higher education study, TAFE/VET qualifications, or through adult entry (STAT/Foundation Studies/tertiary preparation course).

Find the entry path that’s right for you.

Explore our pathways

When choosing your preferences through SATAC, you might want to include the Bachelor of Science in your list.

How to apply

1

Select your course.

 

2

Check entry requirements.

 

3

Check your eligibility for credit.

 

5

Obtain certified documents.

 

6

Submit your application and documents.

View further details

If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.

This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.

Find out more

If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice. 

Find out more

Course enquiries

Want more information about studying at Flinders University? Contact us to find out more – we’d love to help you decide if Flinders University is the right choice for you.

Course enquiries

For all course enquiries phone or email us or complete the course enquiry form.

1300 354 633

askflinders@flinders.edu.au

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Last Updated: 22 Jul 2022

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